The Subjunctive Mood of Mantener is used to express wishes, desires, or uncertainty about maintaining something, for example: Espero que mantengas tu promesa. (I hope you keep your promise.)

Mantener is an irregular verb in the Subjunctive Mood, meaning its conjugation follows a unique pattern that must be memorized.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Mantener (to maintain) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Mantener generally means “to maintain” or “to keep”, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

To maintain or keep something in a certain state: for example, Es importante que mantengamos la calma en situaciones difíciles. (It’s important that we maintain our calm in difficult situations.)

To support or provide for someone: for example, Es necesario que los padres mantengan a sus hijos hasta que sean independientes. (It’s necessary that parents support their children until they become independent.)

To persist or continue doing something: for example, Aunque sea difícil, es crucial que mantengamos nuestros esfuerzos. (Although it’s difficult, it’s crucial that we maintain our efforts.)

To affirm or insist on something (colloquial): for example, Mantengo que esa decisión fue un error. (I maintain that that decision was a mistake.)

To keep a relationship or connection: for example, Es importante que mantengamos el contacto con nuestros amigos. (It’s important that we maintain contact with our friends.)

To preserve or conserve something: for example, Es vital que mantengamos nuestro patrimonio cultural. (It’s vital that we preserve our cultural heritage.)

Examples

Examples of Mantener in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que mantengas la calma en situaciones estresantes. (It’s important that you remain calm in stressful situations.)

Para evitar problemas, el juez ordenó que todos mantuvieran la distancia. (To avoid problems, the judge ordered that everyone keep their distance.)

Aunque sea difícil, espero que mantengas una actitud positiva. (Although it’s difficult, I hope you maintain a positive attitude.)

Es necesario que mantengamos buenos hábitos de salud. (It’s necessary that we maintain good health habits.)

El entrenador insistió en que los jugadores mantuvieran la concentración durante el partido. (The coach insisted that the players stay focused during the game.)

Ojalá que mantengan las tradiciones familiares por muchos años. (I hope they maintain the family traditions for many years.)

Aunque cueste trabajo, es importante que mantengáis el orden en la oficina. (Although it’s difficult, it’s important that you all maintain order in the office.)

Independientemente de los desafíos, es esencial que mantengas tus valores intactos. (Regardless of challenges, it’s essential that you keep your values intact.)

Sugiero que mantengamos una comunicación abierta con nuestros hijos. (I suggest that we maintain open communication with our children.)

Es fundamental que los líderes mantengan la confianza de sus seguidores. (It’s crucial that leaders maintain the trust of their followers.)

Para progresar en tu carrera, es recomendable que mantengas buenas conexiones profesionales. (To progress in your career, it’s advisable that you maintain good professional connections.)

Pase lo que pase, es importante que mantengamos la esperanza en el futuro. (Whatever happens, it’s important that we maintain hope for the future.)

A pesar de los obstáculos, espero que mantengan su determinación para alcanzar sus metas. (Despite obstacles, I hope they maintain their determination to achieve their goals.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Mantener (to maintain) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.